The House With the Clock in its Walls (2018)

I describe this as a kid-friendly fantasy thriller. And so it is appropriate that the IMAX screening is preceded by Michael Jackson's Thriller, in new glorious 3D. Michael Jackson is good fun and the transformation scene in 3D is actually really freaky. The whiskers shoot out in 3D!

As for the main event, the movie is well-acted and cutely cast. If you like Young Sheldon, you'll love Lewis. Man, this kid is Sheldon-level weird, a social outcast. His potential friend Tarby is a real stereotypical greaser character. The school is really remarkable in how retro it feels. Cate Blanchett is divine. She really acts like she wants an Oscar no matter what the role is. And Jack Black is perfect for kids movies. He blends just the right amount of humor and charm. The movie is really quite fun overall.